The evolution of suburban and radial rail passenger transportation in the United States

This article traces the trends in rail commuter service, heavy rail rapid transit, the rise and decline of the electric interurban railway, and the development and rise of modern light rail transit in the United States from the mid nineteenth century to the present. Rail commuter service grew steadily until about 1929, then declined except in major metropolitan areas, where, now operated under various authorities, it remains an important element in the major cities in the East and has expanded in recent years in the West. Heavy rail rapid transit, which developed primarily in the latter part of the last century, declined somewhat in the 1920s, and no new lines were built for a long period. It has, however, experienced a revival in recent years. Amtrak has played a major role in aiding service to outlying radial areas and in the management of local rapid transit systems, but its future is in doubt.